The Dixie Chicks proved their rehabilitation was complete at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, picking up a clutch of gongs almost four years after outraging middle America with anti-George Bush comments on the eve of the Iraq war.
The band endured death threats, public CD burnings and country radio boycotts after lead singer Natalie Maines told gig-goers in London she was "ashamed" the president was from her home state of Texas in March 2003.
But this year they led the field at the Grammys with five awards, including best record and best song for their no-regrets anthem Not Ready to Make Nice.
It was a bleak night for British artists, who were shunned at the ceremony in Los Angeles.
Singer James Blunt, who had been nominated in five categories including best newcomer, best record and best song, came away with no awards.
Corinne Bailey Rae and Imogen Heap also lost out in the newcomer category to former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood.
Others who went home empty-handed included the Arctic Monkeys, Goldfrapp, Coldplay and the Pet Shop Boys.
There was a rare moment of British glory when The Police reunited to open the show with a rendition of breakthrough hit Roxanne, 23 years after splitting up.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are The Police and we're back!" frontman Sting announced as he took to the stage sporting a black waistcoat over a bare chest and his classic 1980s bleach-blond spiked crop.
He, drummer Stewart Copeland and guitarist Andy Summers, who are expected to reform for a comeback tour later this year, clasped hands to take a bow.
The Dixie Chicks also won best country album, a particularly ironic triumph given the fury of the country community over their Bush comment, and the fact that they do not even consider themselves country artists any more.
"I'm ready to make nice," Maines said as the group accepted the best record trophy.
"I think people are using their freedom of speech with all of these awards."
Bandmate Emily Robison thanked the trio's core fans for sticking with them through the tough times.
"We wouldn't have done this album without everything we went through so we have no regrets," she said.
After getting best country album for the politically-tinged Taking the Long Way, Maines said: "Well, to quote the great Simpsons: heh-heh!"
